The story behind Surely Goodness and Mercy Shall Follow Me

Ruth (seated right) and Orpah (seated left) bid farewell to each other in an inner court typical of traditional Middle Eastern housing, where an inner court was often a place for widows to work and cook together communally. Ruth will stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, lending her youth and strength to Naomi's care and trusting herself to Naomi's God and His covenants. Having chosen a covenant life, Ruth looks out toward the future, embracing the gifts with which God surrounds her. Orpah, though sorry to be parted from Ruth, is resolved to go her way, returning to her native people and their gods. She is adorned by the wealth of the world, and her gaze engages the viewer as if to ask which path the viewer will choose.

Symbolism in Surely Goodness and Mercy Shall Follow Me

Modern Jordan (the location of ancient Moab) contains many samples of ancient material culture. Some of these samples served as inspiration for the stonework, pottery, color-scheme and patterns in the painting. Since fabric samples from the period of the Judges do not exist, color schemes and patterns associated with ancient Jordanian and Mideastern cultures were selected. The rug, while not Jordanian, is typical of those used in inner courts, and is included as a vehicle for incorporating the symbols of the Star of David and the scepter of Moab. (See Numbers 24:17.)